The 10 Best Crossbow Reviews and Experts Guide

Archery continues to grow, and the best crossbows have debuted into the market. So, your troubles are just about to end if you were stuck in the process of choosing the best model for the coming hunting season.

You are about to learn from experts who have honed the skill of hunting with crossbows for decades. The art of using crossbows for hunting dates back to the ancient history of Europe and China. Therefore, the best of these weapons are relics married to modern technology.

The result is a fast, accurate, lightweight, durable, comfortable, quiet, and affordable archery tool. The new advances in these tools were evident in the Archery Trade Show. Some old brands made significant upgrades to their models. The resultant options are understandably confusing.

I went through a great deal of trouble making the selections. I based my choices on design quality and performance.

Here are the top 10 best crossbows that will unleash the adventurer in you.

10 Best Crossbow Reviews

1. TenPoint Titan SS Crossbow Packages

The TenPoint Titan SS is among the most technologically advanced crossbows in the market. It is an improvement of an old model, the Titan Extreme. TenPoint made it address and correct the weak points of its predecessor. Despite the advances, it includes several landmark hunting features at affordable prices.

Titan SS can fire bolts at an incredible speed of up to 340 feet per second and over 100 FPKE (Kinetic Energy in Foot Pounds). That is more than necessary to bring down any game. Other aspects of power are trigger placement and a remarkable power stroke of 12.50 pounds. These features optimize Titan SS’s performance and make it one of the best performing options of the brand.

You will love the excellent quality optics of this Titan crossbow. Included in the package is a simple 3x multiline model featuring no illumination. However, you will obtain the TenPoint 3X Pro-View 2 Scope if you choose to buy the full package.

This customizable hunting weapon is armed with TenPoint’s Fusion S Stock, dual-position butt plate, and adjustable comb height. You can effortlessly customize the length of the pull. The package includes everything you need to begin your hunting. These are Pro-Elite carbon arrows, 3X Pro-View 2 Scope, and -Arrow Instant Detach Quiver. The 3X Pro-View Scope is non-illuminated but fully coated with 3x optics featuring calibrated dots at 20, 30, 40, and 50 yards.

For your safety, the crossbow design includes a standard anti-dry fire mechanism. The design itself makes your efforts to avoid injuries easy. You’ll find it easy to assemble the weapon, but you must first read and understand the TenPoint warnings and cautions. Several comfort features make the crossbow comfortable to handle and operate.

Pros:

• Powerful with enhanced accuracy
• Narrow, lightweight, and durable
• Adjustable for customized length of pull
• Equipped with modern features and enhancements
• Comfortable and safe to handle

Cons:

• Noise suppression needs improvement
• Buying accessories separately is inconvenient

2. CenterPoint Sniper 370- Crossbow Package

Somewhat heavier than the new generation crossbows, the CenterPoint Sniper 370 qualifies as one of the best crossbows for the money. It offers an average scope, simple design and a basic rope cocking mechanism with aluminum machined cams and riser. These features explain the affordability of the product.

The very features make it ideal for entry-level hunting and an even excellent alternative crossbow for the more experienced hunting aficionados. Although frugally designed, the device has enough power to take down the most robust game such as grizzly bears and Cape buffalos. It provides 370 FPS firing speeds and deals out 128 foot-pounds of kinetic energy.

CenterPoint Sniper may not be the lightest and smallest crossbows in the market. However, it is still compact enough for you to haul across your country for a hunting trip. Cocked, the X-bow measures 18 inches. Uncocked, it measures 21.5 inches.  The Sniper 320 weighs about 7.9 pounds. Interestingly, CenterPoint fitted it with a shoulder sling for easy portability.

The crossbow comes with a pack of 20-inch carbon bolts that are great for both target shooting and hunting. Nevertheless, it is flexible enough to use other arrows of better quality, though you need to have a better understanding of the specs before making any purchases.

Sniper 370 has a flawless anti-dry fire mechanism to boost your safety. There is also an automatic safety feature. The weapon’s rail is CNC machined while the riser is a shoot-through form. Featuring an interchangeable grip and an adjustable AR-style stock, the X-bow is very easy to customize to fit your own needs.

Pros:

• Adjustable stock for easy personalization
• Impressive shooting velocity and power for the price
• Machined aluminum construction for durability
• Flawless automatic safety trigger
• Perfectly balanced crossbow with included bolts
• An affordable but good quality product

Cons:

• The initial assembly may be cumbersome
• Comes with a vague instruction manual

3. TenPoint Wicked Ridge Invader G3 Crossbow Package

This US made crossbow package is one of the best in its price range. The Wicked Ridge Invader G3 is an ACU-52 cocking device. It features a beautiful, integrated, auto-retracting rope cocking system. The system reduces the draw weight by up to 50 percent while you are drawing the bow accuracy one time after another. The unique cocking design features mini-magnets designed to hold the handles safely and silently in place.

The device is designed to allow your fore-grip hand safely beneath the bowstring release path. To improve your safety, the device features an industry-leading Dry-Fire Inhibitor (DFI). It prevents the X-bow from firing without a bow. The 5-pound trigger has auto-engaging protection with an up-going trigger latch. The trigger is CNC-machined and built to a 0-percent failure rate at six thousand shots (according to TenPoint).

Invader G3 achieves a velocity of 330fps at 96 ft-lbs of kinetic energy with a power stroke of 13.5 inches. That is enough power to take down different games. The X-bow is 37.75 inches wide, 22.6 inches (uncocked), and 19 inches (cocked). It weighs 6.6 pounds without accessories and has a draw weight of 165lbs.

It features a stock design that is 60 percent stronger than its competitors, making Invader G3 a darling for those experienced in archery. The stock absorbs vibration, is thermally stable, and features an ACRA-Angle barrel that eliminates finger pinching and enhances accuracy. The device features a premium-quality crossbow string with extra long life.

Pros:

• An ACU-52 cocking mechanism
• Safety-engineered wings and fore-grip
• Dry-fire inhibitor prevents shooting without an arrow
• Easy four-step assembly
• Strong and durable stock-design
• Safe, accurate, lightweight, fast, and narrow crossbow

Cons:

• The cocking mechanism is quite noisy
• Accuracy at 50 yards is a little out of range

4. Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package

Choose Barnett Jackal Crossbow if you were hunting for the best crossbow under 500 dollars. It is a powerful archery weapon with a sleek and professional design. It has a military-style stock and is lightweight, making it delightful to haul to your favorite blind spot or tree lines.

Jackal features a synthetic string capable of launching an arrow at a velocity of 315FPS. If you buy the full package, you will get light bolts, a quiver, and a premium red dot sight for an accurate aim. Interestingly, you can remove the quiver and replace it as desired.  The quiver comes with three 20-inch arrows.

A divided fore-grip makes the X-bow comfortable to hold while targeting and shooting.  The weapon offers a 3.5lb trigger pull which makes your shooting smart. The trigger is incredibly easy to press thanks to its ADF MIM feature design. The FPS feature makes this hunting crossbow ideal for 3D buck target training.

This HD camouflage crossbow weighs 7.7 pounds and features a shoulder string to make it easy to carry to the woods for your adventure. It manufactures a battle to balance power and noise. It is such a challenge because powerful bows such as Barnett Jackal find it challenging to operate quietly.

As far as hunting or fishing is concerned, you can take out almost anything worthy. It’s great for small game hunting, deer and elk hunting, moose and bear hunting as well as target shooting. Barnett Jackal’s power and accuracy will surprise you, especially given the price.

Pros:

• Affordable bow for beginner hunters
• Relatively cheap for such a powerful archery tool
• Provides enough KE for almost all legal games in the US
• Automated safety protects you from dry-firing
• Very cool, comfortable and durable military-style stock

Cons:

• The package comes without a rope-cocking device
• A noisy crossbow due to its power

5. Arrow Precision Inferno Fury Crossbow

Arrow Precision provides you with its popular Inferno Fury Crossbow Package. It is an excellent choice if you want the best crossbow for deer hunting. But the scope is not limited to deer; it can take down almost any legalized game in the United States.

This package is ideal for the veteran hunter seeking a dependable and lightweight alternative to larger models. Nevertheless, it is also a fantastic choice for beginner crossbow archers desiring an affordable yet fully equipped package. It delivers outstanding performance, target practice, and is only moderately ideal for actual hunting.

The Inferno Fury package includes a 175-pound Recurve crossbow, and a quick detach quiver holding four arrows, a premium 3-dot multi-range red dot. You also get a padded shoulder sling, an ambidextrous auto-safety, and an adjustable weaver-style scope mount. Furthermore, the package comes with an ambidextrous rear stock as well as all the necessary assembly tools.

The X-bow provides 175lbs of draw weight for an incredible velocity of 235 feet per second. It’s premium 3-dot multi-range red dot allows you to aim at your target with utmost precision. The weaver-style mount is surprisingly easy to adjust.

With the length of the crossbow without foot, the stirrup measures 31 inches while the limb tip to limb tip width measures 27 inches. String length, on the other hand, is 26.5 inches. This incredibly lightweight and narrow crossbow weighs a paltry 4.84 pounds.

Pros:

• Great crossbow package for both beginner and veteran hunters
• Powerful, lightweight, and relatively accurate crossbow
• Ambidextrous auto-safety prevents dry-firing
• Adjustable Weaver-style scope mount
• Easy and quick assembly

Cons:

• Assembly instructions are hard to understand
• It may be difficult to use the device at 50 yards drop

6. Excalibur Crossbow Null Matrix SMF Grizzly Crossbow

X-bows made from Excalibur are well known for their durability and performance. However, they are often pricey and therefore out of reach of many entry-level hunters or archers. The Matrix Grizzly is a relatively affordable model from Excalibur but still has many of the features that make this great brand a performer.

This bow features sturdy frames and limbs capable of supporting 200 pounds draw weight. But, Excalibur ensured these features do not make the crossbow too heavy to use with comfort. The impressive design enhances accuracy, which is essential whether you need Matrix Grizzly for hunting or target practice.

Engineered to withstand the rigors associated with hunting, the bow is still lightweight enough to allow you to carry it comfortably to your preferred hunting ground. It weighs just 5.5lbs making it an excellent choice for teens as well as petite adults.

The long-lasting frame is engineered from SMF composite materials that provide enough strength for straight and powerful draws. Limbs present a slim 30-inch design to deliver a smooth and straight path for precise draws.

Matrix Grizzly is capable of speeds of up to 305 feet per second. With such velocity coupled with a 200 draw weight, you can be sure to take down both large and small games. This vari-zone scope is incredibly easy to adjust. It will give you precise readings to boost your aiming accuracy and plan for the next shot.

You will also love the rope cocking mechanism which makes the hunting weapon effortless to load and set your arrows. Its 11.5-inch power stroke may be short for experienced archers, but it is excellent for younger hunters.

The package includes everything you need for easy assembly of the crossbow. It comes with an easy to read, understand, and apply instruction manual. You’ll also get four Diablo arrows for a start, 2-inch rings, and four 150 grain field points.

Pros:

• Compact and sturdy design for use in cramped spaces
• Well balanced and lightweight design
• Incredibly effortless to assemble out of the box
• Comes with four bolts and an attachable quiver
• Adjustable scope for targeting accuracy
• Great value product

Cons:

• Composite material rails may not be as good as aluminum rails

7. Barnett Whitetail Hunter II 350 FPS Crossbow

Barnett offers serious archers some of the best quality crossbows in the market. If you are seeking the best crossbow for hunting, then consider the Whitetail Hunter II. This engineering feat combines a top-quality base with the capability to pump superfast arrows with plenty of kinetic energy. But it remains lightweight and compact enough for better maneuverability during your hunting sessions.

The Whitetail Hunter II provides you with a solid aluminum crafted rail. This construction combines with just the right amount of force, balance, and draws weight to fit 5ft 9-in to 6ft 3-in archers perfectly. It can shoot bolts at 350FPS behind 103 pounds of kinetic energy. Such power may not be over the top, but it provides for enhanced accuracy. This makes the X-bow an excellent choice for hunting.

The crossbow comes almost completely assembled out of the box and completing the process is a breeze. It features a 16.125-lbs measurement for the cocked-to-axle width.  It weighs a paltry 6.4lbs which is below the average for crossbows.

This model is designed to fire 20-inch arrows, which are the average size of bolts used in modern x-bows. Out of the box, Barnett provides you with two 20-inch headhunter arrows. You can even sight your crossbow with those great arrows, and they will deliver exceptional performance. If you are seeking better bows, then you can check out Carbon Express Maxima Reds, but there are still several options.

Pros:

• Powerful crossbow with 350fps shooting velocity at 150 ft-lbs of KE
• Narrow limb to limb width makes it easy to use in a deer blind
• Lightweight and balanced crossbow
• Realtree Extra-Camo pattern for all-year-round hunting
• High-quality build only compared with the top of the range models

Cons:

• A little bit loud for comfort
• KE is not high but still average for taking down many legal games

8. PSE Fang Series Compound Crossbow with Scope and Arrows

The PSR Fang Crossbow package comes with everything you need to get started with hunting or target training. Apart from the crossbow, you will receive a 4×32 multi-reticle scope, a cocking rope, and a 5-bolt detachable quiver. You will also get three 20-inch arrows made of carbon, three field points and a tube of rail lubricant.

The X-bow slings arrows with plenty of force, achieving velocities of between 335FPS and 345FPS at 99 to 105 feet pounds of kinetic energy. Such enormous strength will take down almost all legally hunted games in the United States.

In terms of design, the PSE Fang features a bullpup configuration. It means that the placement of the pistol trigger and grip is further forward, leaving more weight of the bow back against your shoulder. Such an arrangement ensures a stable firing platform that is convenient for remaining in the same firing position for extended periods.

What sets this bow apart from its competitors is the dual-string stops. You’d only expect this feature in top-range crossbows that cost hundreds of dollars worth of the PSE Fang package. The forward grip of this X-bow is cleverly designed to serve as a thumb guard to keep your thumb/fingers away from the rail. This hunting weapon is quite accurate, especially if you maintain the scope adequately aligned.

PSE Fang is not among the quietest crossbows. However, it is far away south of the loudest models. Its dual string stops serve to mitigate noise and vibration to some extent. You can look for an aftermarket noise suppressor if you are concerned about the noise.

Pros:

• The full package includes all you need to get started
• Effortless cocking mechanism
• Great value despite affordability
• Powerful, safe, and accurate
• Comes with dual string stops

Cons:

• Quite noisy due to plenty of shooting power
• You may need a better scope for accuracy

9. SA Sports 306119 Empire Beowulf Crossbow Package

If you are shopping for the best crossbow under 500 dollars, then the SA Sports 306119 SA Sports Empire Beowulf is a great choice. It features a lightweight synthetic stock and barrel with a compact riser assembly. The X-bow projects arrows at a blazing speed of 360 feet per second behind 115 ft-lb of kinetic energy with each shot. It has a draw weight of 175lbs as well as a mass weight of 6.5 pounds.

These features make the shooting exciting and fun. Sighting in the bow with the scope takes just a few minutes. Once you acquire the target, the bow will be surprisingly accurate. Besides accuracy, the weapon is lightweight and compact. It measures 19 inches cocked in length and has a 14-inch power stroke. This makes it ideal both for hunting and target training.

If you purchase this x-bow, you will get a 4×32 Multi-range Scope, a rope cocking device, three 20-inch carbon arrows, and hex keys. For your safety, this weapon has an anti-dry fire trigger and an ambidextrous auto-safety. Other great features include integrated full barrel Picatinny rail with an adjustable foregrip, quick detach quiver with Picatinny mount, and Radical CNC machined cams.

According to the manufacturer, the Empire Beowulf Crossbow is one of the best in the market. Some reviews seem to agree with this assertion. You can be sure you will get value for your money if you choose to buy this wonderful sports machine.

Pros:

• Safe, lightweight and durable
• Powerful and accurate
• Full-barrel Picatinny rail for accessory attachments
• Wonderful, smooth trigger pull
• High-value product

Cons:

• Short warranty period
• Limited scope performance

10. TenPoint Turbo GT Crossbow Package

The Turbo GT Crossbow Package from TenPoint is an award-winning crossbow that has professional-grade features. It takes the last rank in our review because of its high price. It features an adjustable fusion S stock as well as an ultra-compact powerful 13.5-inch XLT bow assembly. These form a deadly combination that will take down all legally hunted games.

An ACRA-Angle barrel and a power-stroke of just 12.5 lbs mean the X-bow can launch arrows/bolts up to 360 feet per second with a forceful hitting 107 feet-pounds of kinetic energy. One of the most lovely features of the Turbo GT is the ACUdraw self-retracting rope cocking system which makes it incredibly accurate and easy to use. This cocking system reduces draw by approximately 50 percent.

The package includes the arrow itself, 3X Pro-View 2 Scope, three 20-inch Pro Elite carbon arrows with 100-grain practice points, 3-arrow instant detach quiver, and an ambidextrous side-mount quiver bracket.  For safety purposes, the crossbow features an auto-engaging safety as well as a dry-fire inhibitor.

The Ten Point Turbo GT is fitted with 3-12 lb. T3 trigger featuring metal injection components to deliver a soft, crisp pull with minimal creep. Many other great features characterize this crossbow. You will come to appreciate them only when you get the chance to use the X-bow.

Pros:

• Compact design for powerful crossbow hunting
• Narrow, lightweight configuration
• Fast, powerful and accurate for a big performance
• Technologically enhanced safety features and cocking system
• Smooth, crisp pull with a very little creep

Cons:

• Lacks integrated suppressors
• It would be awesome if the scope could light up

What To Look For In The Best Crossbow

I’m sure you are interested in joining the archery world, and you seek crossbow archery. The problem is that you aren’t sure where to start. You are new to crossbows, or you are seeking a better one to improve your hunting prowess. I’ve compiled this buying guide to help you navigate through all the features that make a great crossbow.

This guide targets mostly beginners. Therefore, I will try to discuss everything from what to look for in the crossbow to how to use the weapon successfully. I will also slightly touch on the care and maintenance tips so that you get the most out of your investment.

Are you Interested in Target Shooting or Hunting?

You can use this archery tool in either of two ways – target shooting or hunting. Several features will determine whether a model is ideal for target shooting or great for hunting. For instance, features such as speed, draw weight, bow weight may not be so significant to target shooting.

However, they can make a notable difference when it comes to hunting. The only thing you need to do is to ensure that you sight in your scope correctly and the target distance is reasonable, and the other features of the x-bow will not influence your success in hunting.

What Type of Crossbow is Ideal for You?

Modern models of the crossbow are available in different styles with each style presenting different characteristics. Here are the critical variations you might encounter in your search:

Single or Dual-Handed Crossbows

Dual-handed models are by far the most common. They are incredibly versatile and ideal for various situations including target shooting, hunting, and fishing. Scientists and the military also use two-handed crossbows. These bows are mighty and accurate. You can learn to use and operate them with fast and with ease.

The single-handed variants are less common than their dual counterparts. Some people refer to them as pistol models because of their design. Their suitability is directed towards specialized purposes such as small game hunting, target shooting, and self-defense. One-hand bows may be lacking in power and accuracy, but they are generally lighter, easier to use, more compact, and more affordable than their dual-hand counterparts.

A compound, Recurve or Reverse limb

Compound crossbows are the most common in this category. Their distinguishing feature is low draw weight with faster arrow speeds. Since they have pulleys and cables, compound x-bows tend to have narrower Axle to Axle (ATA) length, which gives it better portability. For that reason, it is the type to buy if you intend to use your weapon in tight places such as deer blinds. The problem with increased moving parts is increased potential for failure.

Recurve bows are the relics from the past that archers prefer for reliability and simplicity. These hunting weapons feature a bow and strings – no cables and pulleys to reduce the potential for failure at critical moments. Due to their simple design, these bows have wider ATAs, higher draw weights, lower speeds and lesser accuracy than their compound counterparts.

Reverse limb crossbows, on the other hand, feature what archers refer to as Reverse Draw Technology (RDT). This recent innovation reverses the limb of the conventional compound crossbows giving them a unique appearance and boosts their performance. The benefits of RDTs run the gamut. They include superior balance, improved power stroke, minimal noise, vibration, and compactness.

How Fast is the Crossbow?

The fastest crossbows can shoot projectiles at speeds above 400 feet per second. The most important question has nothing to do with the fastest bow in the market. What you need to ask yourself is why you need high speeds. Only professional hunters who need to take down massive games could use such high velocities.

But for regular target shooting or small game (deer) hunting, such high velocities are unnecessary. The reason behind my argument is that such high speeds could ruin your chances for a successful hunt or shot. A fast arrow is less forgiving when in the event of any imperfections present in the arrows or vanes than a slow bolt.

You also need to understand the bearing weight of arrows has on the speed of the crossbow. The same goes for the total of the total projectile (arrow plus points). These parameters are used to calculate the claimed velocity of a bow. A massive bolt will slow down your bow.

However, it will have more force to the target, particularly at longer ranges. At the back of your mind, you need an arrow that is speedy to complete the task but not so quick that it causes overkill and makes your shots more cumbersome.

What Safety Features Should You Look For

New archers need to worry more about safety than any other factor. This is because they have lots of things to learn and any mistakes could cause serious injury. Integrated safety features and specifications will protect you from any potential injuries.

Anti-Dry Fire Inhibitor:

The first safety feature to be concerned about is anti-dry fire. Dry fire means the bow shoots in the absence of an arrow. Dry firing subjects the bow limbs to lots of stress. This is because the arrow acts to provide resistance to the limbs during a firing mechanism, thus allowing them to release their energy in a regulated manner. Modern x-bows now feature an Anti-Dry Fire inhibitor that will prevent the strings from being released when the arrow is not in place.

Auto-Engage Safety:

Another safety feature is the auto-engage safety mechanism. It is hard to find a model of crossbow that lacks some form of mechanical safety to keep the trigger from releasing the string when it is set. Such a feature works pretty much like the trigger of a rifle. An auto-engage safety automatically sets during the process of drawing the bowstring to prevent unintentional triggering.

Forward Grip Design:

The forward grip design is another safety feature you need to look for. It is similar to the model of rifles. In x-bows, however, the arrow is contained within the rail, but the string is free. It means the line slides rapidly down the rail when you fire the arrow. If the string encounters a finger or thumb, it can ruin your shot or more importantly cause you a significant injury.

You, therefore, need to seek a bow that features a forward grip with a sort of wings that project sideways and run through the length of the grip. The wings perform the critical job of protecting your hands by keeping them well below the path of the string. This way, you will not be concerned about your fingers when shooting.

How Easy Is It to Assemble the X-Bow?

As you might have found out in the reviews, this archery equipment comes as a package containing the bow and its attachments and accessories. You will need to assemble it for use. The ideal crossbow must be easy and quick to assemble.

The bow section always comes assembled. Compound bows also come with cables already strung up. All you will do in assembly is to mate the bow part to the stock/barrel section. You will also have to mount the scope and potentially attach other accessories. Examples of accessories you might need to connect are a quiver or a grip mount.

It is good to know that the assembly tools are provided along with the instruction manual. Such manuals are often easy to understand and follow. Nevertheless, some brands offer horrible instructions potentially due to a language barrier. With some experience, you might not find it difficult to assemble such a bow because the assembly method is more or less the same.

How to Use a Crossbow

Using a crossbow, especially modern models, can be fascinating. However, you must first master the technique. I intend to provide you with instructions on how to properly handle, load as well as shoot a crossbow so that you can start practicing right away. The first instruction is safety, which you will get from the warning section of the user manuals that come with an x-bow package.

Step 1: Cocking Your Crossbow

You will need some level of patience to learn how to cock a crossbow. Either of two methods achieves cocking: Manual or crack operated.

Manual Cocking

For the manual mode, put your dominant foot in the bow’s stirrup at its front. Pull the string of the crossbow back uniformly across both sides of the barrel until you see it cocked. You must know how to do this with the modern types of bows that have draw weights over 150lbs. Failure to pull the string straight, you’ll have to deal with inaccurate shots resulting from a misaligned bow.

You can also cock your bow manually using a rope. This method uses a pulley-based tool referred to as a rope cocker. This tool can eliminate the stress on your hands while cocking. To use a rope cocker, merely connect the device to your bowstring, then place your dominant foot into the stirrup. You can then pull until the string is evenly cocked.

Cocking With a Crank

Go for this method if you lack upper body strength for some reason, or you have physical fitness issues. An x-bow crack is a winch-based method usually integrated into a bow. If missing from the package, you can buy it separately.

To cock with a crank, first, engage it and then turn the winch until you see the bow cocked. Once cocking is done, disengage the tool (as with the rope cocker) and keep it for future use. The downside of a crank cocker is that it is time-consuming and therefore may not be suitable when you are out hunting.

Step 2: Loading the Bow

Once the weapon is cocked, it is time to load a bolt/arrow. Place the appropriate pointer in the barrel of the X-bow. Ensure you align the cock vane of the arrow well with the groove of the barrel. Loading is as simple as that.

Modern models of this archery tool come with scopes that need mounting before you can aim to improve accuracy. You can use the optical scope or the sight pin of your bow if you do not have a scope to aim at your target. Take the following safety precautions before proceeding with engaging the trigger:

• See to it that your fingers or thumb are not anywhere near the limb area of the bow, especially in the path of the released string.
• Make sure other blockages such as tree leaves, limbs or branches are absent in the vicinity of the limbs. This is to prevent flying debris that might cause you injuries.

Step 3: Shooting the Arrow

Shooting is as straightforward as it can get. Once you are sure, you have aimed correctly, just press the trigger only lightly like you would a gun. Ensure you shoot from a stationary, stable position, preferably while kneeling or sitting. Even better, you can use a rail or a shooting stick for greater balance and precision. This is because x-bows can be quite substantial.

Step 4: Reshooting or Decocking

Once you have made a shot, you can opt to load another bolt/arrow and shoot again or decock the bow for later use. Fire the bow to decock it by shooting a target with a regular arrow. You can also shoot at a specialized decocking bag. Alternatively, you can use a decocking bolt and shoot it into the ground. Avoid dry-firing by all means as it could damage your expensive investment.

Crossbow Care and Maintenance Tips

For your crossbow to serve you for long without issues and optimally, you have to give it perfect care and maintenance. Failure to maintain the weapon will affect your shooting accuracy and limit its life.  Here are a few tips and tidbits that will help keep your bow in optimal condition:

Apply Wax to Strings and Cables

Your crossbow package may include a tube of wax. If not, make sure you buy one before you can use the weapon. Compound bows need regular waxing of their strings and cables. Check the manufacturer’s recommendation so that you can wax your hunting machine appropriately.

Lubricate the Rails

The aim of lubricating the barrel rails is to improve the traction of the arrow, making it smooth with very little friction. The accuracy of each shoot depends on the smoothness of the traction. Lubricate by applying two drops to the middle section of the rail and then spreading it across the whole length of the rail using your finger. Make sure you use the right lubricant for this purpose.

Lubricate Exposed Mounting Bolts and the Trigger Chamber

Apply two or so drops of appropriate oil to the trigger chamber as well to the exposed mounting bolts. Target the bolts that connect the risers with the bow stock. This will protect the bolts from damage and corrosion resulting from environmental conditions. You will also want to lubricate the wheels/axles if yours is a compound bow.

Clean Scope Lens

Use lens cleaning wipes for the scope lenses. You will not need to do this so often except if your vision through the scope seems to be obstructed. You also need to clean it if you inadvertently leave your fingerprint on the glass. Lens cleaning wipes will do an excellent job without leaving any smudge.

Re-Tighten Bolts Periodically

The bolts connect the stirrup, the quiver mount, the prod to the stock, and anything else you added as an attachment. Make sure you have the right screwdriver or hex keys in your EDC kit at all times. I would recommend you re-tighten after every 50 to 100 shots.

Assess Your Bow and Arrows before Shooting

This must become part of your shooting process. Do it before each shooting session. It does not matter whether it is a hunting trip or a target practice. Of interest are loose bolts, twisting or cracks on the limbs and bending or splintering of the shafts of your arrows.

Pay Close Attention to the Bowstrings

Occasionally check the bowstring for any evidence of wear or separation of the serving. Pay close attention to the center where the arrow is nocked. Any apparent separation or breakage in the serving requires immediate replacement.

Based on the type of bow you buy, the bowstring has a lifespan of between 200 and 1000 bolts fired. Failure to apply wax to the string will reduce its lifespan by a whopping 20 percent. You can keep a backup string in your person whenever you are shooting, just in case there is a need for replacement.

Rid Your Bow of Dirt

Dirt will always have a way to accumulate where it is least expected.  When it does, dirt can cause serious issues that will interfere with the accuracy of your shots and the durability of your bow. Remove any dust and dirt that might have stuck inside the rail and possibly the groove, the nook or the connection point.

It will take you 2 minutes or 3 minutes to complete the task correctly. The right time to do it is when you are on a hunting trip. Remember to apply lubricant to the rail after you have gotten rid of all the dirt and dust stuck in it.

Best Crossbow FAQs

Q: How often should I replace my bowstring?

Ans: Since cables and strings will eventually retire, you must plan when to replace them. For most models, the recommended time is 2 to 3 years or after 200 to 1000 arrows fired.

Q: Can I keep crossbow cocked?

Ans: There are no safety worries if you keep your bow cocked while hunting or target practicing in a stationary position. It is highly recommended (for personal safety reasons) that you not walk or talk to and from your post with a cocked bow. Instead, let the bow down to its de-cocked position before you can move.

Q: What should be the best draw weight for a crossbow?

Ans: The higher a draw weight is, the better the crossbow performs. Best models have weights of between 150 and 175lbs. Very few models achieve 200 lbs. The weight you choose should depend on your fitness and the maximum allowable in your state. On a long hunting or target shooting session, you can let your bow down every 4 or so hours and leave it relaxed for about half an hour.

Q: What size of bolts or arrows should I use with my crossbow?

Ans: Crossbow bolts/arrows measure anywhere between 16 inches and 22 inches. The average is 20 inches. The good news is that all x-bows come with a recommendation from the manufacturer regarding the length of the bolts you ought to use.  Have this information at the tip of your hands every time you need to buy arrows for your hunting weapon.

How Powerful is a Crossbow?

Final Verdict

You already had an interest in finding the best crossbow for hunting before finding this resource. Now, you have enough information to step out and buy the best model that fits your needs. There should be no room for failure as this review and guide have at least captured everything you need to make a perfect decision.

The crossbows I reviewed are among the best. They are durable, fast, accurate, and will give you value for your money. You are now free and equipped to start enjoying archery.  Spread the news if you find the information contained in this article helpful.